Best Photo Spots in the Dolomites: A Photographer’s Guide
The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in north-eastern Italy, are a dream destination for landscape photographers. With towering peaks, lush valleys, and idyllic alpine villages, the Dolomites offer endless opportunities to capture stunning images. This guide explores the best photo spots, complete with coordinates, photography tips, and advice on when to visit for the perfect shot.
Table of Contents
Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, or the “Three Peaks of Lavaredo,” is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Dolomites. These three towering peaks are especially captivating during sunrise and sunset when the warm light casts a golden glow over the rugged landscape.
Photography Tips:
- Best Time: Sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting. Make sure to bring a headlamp!
- Recommended Image: Wide-angle shot or as I personally prefer a panorama of the three peaks with the surrounding alpine scenery. Include a foreground element like wildflowers (if available) or rocks for depth. Including an object to give perspective also works great to emphasize the size of the three peaks.
- Hiking Tip: Start at Rifugio Auronzo for the easiest access to viewpoints. There is plenty of parking space, but be aware that during daytime it can be very busy. More towards the end of the afternoon things start to slowdown. It is an easy to moderate walk that takes a good health, but certainly not difficult.
- Photo tip: look around! There are so many good images if you look the other way as well!
Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies, also known as the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” is a breathtaking alpine lake with crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush forests and mountains. The wooden boathouse and the boats on the lake’s edge are favourite subjects among photographers. Getting there is not difficult. There is plenty of parking space and, depending on where you park, the walk up there is only 5 minutes.
Photography Tips:
- Best Time: Early morning to capture reflections and avoid crowds. Be there at least 1 hour before sunrise in order to find the best spot. Watch the weather conditions as you want calm weather to get this completely flat water surface.
- Recommended Image: Include the boathouse for a classic composition. Use a wide angle or shoot a panorama.
- Pro Tip: Don’t forget to look elsewhere and zoom in on the boats or other details.
Seceda Ridgeline
Seceda offers one of the most dramatic ridgelines in the Dolomites, with sharp peaks plunging into verdant valleys. The ridgeline is particularly photogenic during golden hour.
Photography Tips:
- Best Time: Late afternoon for golden hour.
- Recommended Image: Use a telephoto lens to compress the ridgeline and emphasize its jagged features.
- Access Tip: Take the cable car from Ortisei to save time and energy. If you plan to shoot at late afternoon, be aware that the cable car closes and you need to hike downwards. So bring a headlamp and proper clothing! There are also options to stay overnight in the mountains.
Alpe di Siusi
Alpe di Siusi, the largest high-altitude meadow in Europe, is known for its picturesque rolling hills, dotted with wooden cabins and framed by towering peaks. It is a place where you can easily spend an entire day, starting at sunrise ending at sunset (obviously depending on the season).
Photography Tips:
- Best Time: Sunrise when the light creates soft, golden hues. But personally I prefer sunset as it creates this beautiful warm light over the meadow and on the peaks.
- Recommended Image: Wide-angle composition featuring the cabins in the foreground and the Sassolungo massif in the background. A panorama that captures the entire scene is also recommended.
- Pro Tip: There are so many locations in this area, try to select one and stick to it. Wait for the light instead of walking around looking for a better location.
- Getting there: you can obviously hike up there, but that may mean you need to start real early. Other options are the cable car, but that does not start before 9:00 and ends at 17:30. Best option for me was to take the car and the road up there. You will need to arrive early as the road closes after 9:00 until 17:00.
Lago di Sorapis
Lago di Sorapis is a turquoise gem hidden in the heart of the Dolomites. Reaching the lake requires a 2-hour hike, but the surreal beauty makes it worth the effort. Make sure to wear proper hiking shoes as it is a challenging path here and there, especially when it is wet. But once you get up there, man are you in for a treat!
Photography Tips:
- Best Time: Mid-morning to avoid harsh shadows on the trail.
- Recommended Image: Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the lake’s vivid color.
- Hiking Tip: Wear sturdy footwear as the trail can be challenging in spots. You need a good health to hike this trail! Start at the parking space close to B&B Hotel Passo Tre Croci Cortina.
Lago Fedèra
Lago Fedèra is a serene alpine lake surrounded by larch forests, which turn a brilliant golden hue in autumn. This location offers a tranquil setting perfect for reflective and atmospheric shots. The hike up there is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Dolomites.
Photography Tips:
- Best Time: Autumn mornings for the golden foliage and soft light (and if you are lucky with mist on the lake). Late afternoon works well as well with beautiful light setting the larches on fire.
- Recommended Image: Capture the lake with reflections of the surrounding peaks and trees. Use a wide-angle lens for an immersive composition. Or shoot a pano. Or shoot a wide shot with some of the water grasses in the foreground, or… Well, you get the idea, this place offers tons of compositions. In any case, in my opinion the best shots are at the west side of the lake.
- Hiking Tip: Start at the parking space Ponte de Ru Curto, trail number 437.
Final Thoughts
The Dolomites are a paradise for photographers, offering diverse landscapes and unparalleled natural beauty. Be sure to plan your visits around the best lighting conditions and bring essential gear like a sturdy tripod, polarizing filter, and multiple lenses. And perhaps even more important, good clothing, sturdy shoes and plenty of water and some food!
Happy shooting!
If you are interested in the Dolomites or just want to read and see more about my photography in The Dolomites, have a look at my books!
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